Hi; My husband had what the Doctor referred to as a " Huge Polyp" removed today. This polyp filled 95% of his colon. It was 5 centimeters in size and was sent to be biopsied. Does anyone know if there's a difference in the appearance of a cancerous vs noncancerous polyp? Any thoughts on the size of this polyp? We are very nervous... Thanks

I can understand your concern and I hope you get the results soon. I think that many times they can tell if a polyp is malignant especially if it is very large. There was no doubt about the one they took out of my husband two years ago....the doctor could tell us right away that it was malignant.....and it did look nasty. But, having said that, a friend of ours also had a very large polyp removed some time ago, which was not malignant.

I guess you will just have to wait. I know that is very difficult but try to keep your minds occupied on other things as much as possible. Keep us posted.

Thank you for the reply. How is your husband doing today? I hope all is well.
I can't tell what the doctor was thinking about this polyp although he did say because of the size there may be some cancer cells in the upper part. He did say if it trickled down near the stem he would need further surgery however used the word curable. I shut down when I heard maybe cancer cells. I guess you're right though all we can do is wait and see. Why do these things always happen over a week end !!! Thanks again

Jeffrey's Mom:
Most experienced Gastros can tell during the procedure if the polyp is worrisome. They send it in to pathology for confirmation, which unfortunately, you have to wait for. But trust what he/she said in the mean time... Did he/she suspect it was malignant?

You can have HUGE polyps that are non-cancerous, so don't freak yet. I know easier said than done, but try to do things normal to your life until you get the results... keep busy.

I wish you the best of luck!!
Please keep us posted.
Regards,
CancerDad

Thanks you guys for posting to me. My Husbands doctor called and said that the polyp was precancerous which was great news. It was a great warning sign to keep on top of our health and get the annual checks that we need to get. Thanks again for the concern and I hope all remains well with you. Best Regards Jeffreysmom

That is GREAT news....I am glad you did not have to wait too long. As I said before, they can usually tell if it is malignant when they do the colonoscopy but often want to make sure with a biopsy if there is any doubt.

You are right that it is so important to get regular check ups.

Wonderful!!!

Thanks for sharing a VERY encouraging story - we have a couple folks here we're hoping to nudge into having a colonoscopy... Maybe your experience will make a difference!
:angel: